The BBC has agreed for Gary Lineker, above, to return as pressure mounts for BBC chairman Richard Sharp to step down (Picture: PA)
Gary Lineker’s stand-off with the BBC over his tweets has ended in a climbdown by his bosses – and with the corporation’s chairman in the firing line instead.
The Match Of The Day host agreed to return as director general Tim Davie apologised for ‘grey areas’ in its social media policy on impartiality and agreed a review. Critics spoke of ‘capitulation’ but Lineker, 62, tweeted his ‘delight that we have navigated a way through’. He praised the ‘solidarity’ of colleagues who struck in support. The walk-out reduced last Saturday’s show to 20 minutes of goals with no commentary, punditry or theme tune. Swathes of other BBC sport was hit too.
He had been suspended after complaints from politicians for comparing the government’s language around its new illegal asylum bill as ‘not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s’.
After previous breaches, his £1.35million contract – signed in 2020 – was said to have included recognition of his additional responsibility thanks to the high profile the show gives him.
Beleaguered BBC chairman Richard Sharp, a former Tory donor, was accused of going ‘missing in action’ during the politically charged crisis. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was untenable
For him to continue, while prime minister Rishi Sunak distanced himself.
Several public figures have called for BBC chaiman Richard Sharp to step down from his position (Picture: Getty)
Mr Sharp is being investigated over helping ex-prime minister Boris Johnson secure an £800,000 loan last year before the government gave him the job.
Mr Sunak said his hiring ‘had nothing to do with me’ and did not back him when asked. His spokesman said: ‘We await the outcome of that review.’
But former BBC editor Roger Bolton said of Mr Sharp: ‘He’s silent and we all know why. He couldn’t do his job at a crucial moment when he needed to defend the principles of the BBC’s independence and impartiality. He should take the obvious conclusion and resign.’
Sir Craig Oliver – former BBC news executive and later Downing Street communications chief – said Lineker’s reinstatement was a capitulation. He added: ‘I think what’s happened here is Gary Lineker 1, BBC credibility nil.’
Tory MP Philip Davies warned: ‘His epitaph will read, “Gary Lineker – the man who destroyed the BBC licence fee.”’
Lineker – set to front Match Of The Day’s live FA Cup show on Saturday – expressed no regret but praised Mr Davie, who ‘has an almost impossible job keeping everybody happy’.
He insisted: ‘However difficult the last few days have been, it doesn’t compare to having to flee your home from persecution or war to seek refuge in a land far away.’
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BBC chairman Richard Sharp was accused of going ‘missing in action’.